Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • April 21, 2010 Spring Home Improvement (ARA) We’ve all seen the do-it-yourself paint job gone wrong, with thin spots, drips, and streaks. Paint, however, is not usually the culprit. Cutting corners while prepping a space is. By following the right steps prior to painting, and using the right painting tools, you will be sure to have a refreshed space that looks like it was painted by a professional. A major factor to consider when starting a new project is the condition of the walls and cleanliness of the surfaces you want to paint. Item number one on the prepainting checklist is to inspect the wall. Any loose paint, holes, or cracks should be fixed before priming, and especially before painting. If the old paint is peeling, it prevents the new coat of primer, and eventually your new color, from adhering to the wall, resulting in cracks and continued peeling. Don’t sabotage your makeover before it begins. Scrape away old paint until all the loose material is gone. To get the job done like a professional, you’ll need a quality scraper, like those from Purdy, makers of professional quality painting tools. These scrapers have been engineered with input and direction from professionals to ensure a product that delivers a superior performance. The high-quality line of scrapers, including the 2 1/2-inch carbide scraper, features ergonomically designed handles to make prep work less cumbersome and more comfortable. After you’re done scraping, you need to clean the wall. Any dirt left on the wall can create problems, causing the paint to peel or in some cases, slide right off. Using a good grease-cutting detergent will remove most of this unwanted material from the surface. Once the wall is properly cleaned, the next step is to patch any flaws before priming and painting. When patching any surface, make sure to use the proper patching materials and tools. Be sure to match the repairing material to the surface and assess the amount of damage. Use wood filler to patch wood imperfections and spackling for drywall. The quality of the tools used is going to affect the final finish. Just like brushes or roller covers, a cheap prep tool can bring down the quality of your entire project. Brushes that shed or rollers that leave lint should be avoided, as they will ruin the look of the finished product. Scrapers Three easy steps to the perfect paint finish Decorating & made of cheap metal will leave rust marks on walls, ruining all your hard work and doing as much damage as good. You will be sure to get the desired results when using high-quality tools. Plus, a set of good painting tools will last longer and perform better over a longer period of time, saving money and time. A chain is only as good as its weakest link, and the same is true when undertaking a painting project. By forgetting to do any of the steps in the pre-painting process, you are putting your entire project at risk to fail. Instead, ensure your success with a little forethought and elbow grease, and you’ll have a perfect finish each time. Garden State Landscape LLC Is your landscape tired? Are you looking for some quality work? Call today for free, no-obligation estimate. Some of the services we provide... • Patio Installation • Retaining Walls • Shrub and Tree Plantings • Perennial Gardens • Weekly Lawn Maintenance • Drainage Work A FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPE COMPANY 201-670-7641 The Villadom TIMES is giving you the opportunity to present your quality services and merchandise in its special Home Improvement & Decorating section. ���������������� ������������ THINK GREEN In The Villadom TIMES, you’ll get the exposure you need in 56,300 homes right in your market area. And, as always, your Villadom TIMES advertising message is conveniently delivered each week by US mail to every residence in the 12 Bergen County towns listed below. ������������� ��������� WEDNESDAY • Lawn Maintenance • Spring & Fall Cleanup • Trimming • Mulching • Gardening & Planting • Landscape Construction ��������� ������ ������� ������� WEDNESDAY �������� �������� ����� ������ Spring & Fall Gutter Cleaning 15% Off Any Service Exp. 4-30-10 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER ������������ Call The Villadom TIMES today to place your advertisement. Fully Insured & Licensed • Residential and Commercial Owner Operated - Walter A. - 201-674-0725 2 FREE CUTS with Seasonal Contract ZONE 1 - Wyckoff, Midland Park, Franklin Lakes ZONE 2 - Ridgewood, Glen Rock ZONE 3 - Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Waldwick, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, ZONE 4 - Ramsey, Mahwah